Newbury Riding for the Disabled get helping hand from local business

Harrods staff spend an "amazing day" carrying out practical tasks at stables

COMMUNITY-MINDED staff from Harrods Distribution Centre, in Thatcham, paid a visit to a local charity recently to lend a helping hand.

Twenty four Harrods employees visited the home of Newbury Riding for the Disabled in Hampstead Norreys to complete some practical tasks on the site that they hope will make a big difference to the charity.

Newbury RDA runs a dedicated stable yard which takes up to 80 children and teenagers a week for physical therapy in the form of riding lessons.

During their day, the team tackled a variety of tasks, including installing a utility sink, painting outside woodwork, clearing overgrowth and improving the outdoor ring.

Harrods also provided some of the equipment and materials that will be needed to complete the tasks including a sink, new flooring, brushes and paint.

The charity say that the movement of a pony is unique and enables the rider to improve balance, muscle tone and co-ordination, while the lessons also give the riders a sense of achievement and enjoyment in what are often very difficult lives.

Chair of Newbury RDA, Jo Prater, said: “What an amazing day for Newbury Riding for the Disabled.

“The Harrods team were amazing, professional, organised full of integrity and generosity.

“Much fun and laughter throughout the day, combined with hard work and dedication, enabled all the challenge goals to be achieved.

“We cannot thank Harrods enough for what they have achieved and provided for us.

“We will be talking excitedly of this day for many years.”

For more information on Newbury RDA visit www.newburyrda.co.uk